Tag: Cole Porter

Theater review: ‘Anything Goes’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

anythinggoes
Carla Sankey and Matthew Lieber star in ‘Anything Goes’ now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre through May 13. Photo: Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

Now playing at the Woodlawn Theatre is the musical comedy ‘Anything Goes’ about Billy Crocker, a stowaway aboard an ocean liner bound for London from New York. He is in love with heiress Hope Harcourt and with the help of his friends, he plots to win her over before she marries Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. The show runs through May 13 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m. ‘Anything Goes’ features songs and lyrics by Cole Porter, is directed by Christopher Rodriguez and stars Carla Sankey as lead Reno Sweeney. Tickets prices range from $18 to $30 and are available online, or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388.

‘Anything Goes’ is set in 1934 aboard the ocean liner SS American and begins as Reno, a nightclub singer and an old friend of Billy Crocker’s, expresses her love for him in “I Get a Kick Out of You.” Billy, a young Wall Street broker goes to the dock to say farewell to his boss Elisha J Whitney who is on his way to London on business. When the sailors and guests board the ship, “Bon Voyage,” Billy sees Hope, a beautiful girl he met beforehand, and upon hearing that she will be on that same ship, he stows away hoping to win her heart. During “Easy to Love,” he declares his love for Hope who agrees with him but turns him away. Eventually, Billy wins her over and Reno and Lord Evelyn, Hope’s fiancée, end up together.

The combination of silly antics, comedy and first rate singing and dancing makes ‘Anything Goes’ a joy to experience. Carla Sankey is excellent as Reno Sweeney and Isidro Medina is a scene stealer as the haughty British Lord Evelyn Oakleigh, who desperately tries to fit in by unsuccessfully picking up American idioms. Show highlights include “I Get a Kick Out of You” when Reno makes her entrance and “It’s De-Lovely” when Billy and Hope share a beautiful and elegant dance number worthy of any classic Hollywood musical. It is refreshing to see such a classic production at the local level. Overall, this family friendly musical is charming and funny with spectacular musical numbers and it is a must see.

‘Anything Goes’ at the Woodlawn Theatre

anythinggoes
Carla Sankey and Matthew Lieber in the Woodlawn Theatre’s performance of ‘Anything Goes.’ Photo:  Woodlawn Theatre, used with permission.

The next production at the Woodlawn Theatre is the musical comedy ‘Anything Goes.’ This show opens on Friday April 13 and runs through May 13 with show times every Friday and Saturday at 7:30p.m. and Sunday at 3p.m.  On Saturday April 21 there will be a special matinee show at 2p.m. with no evening show that day. It is presented by arrangement with Tams-Witmark Music Library, Inc., 560 Lexington Ave., New York, NY 10022. ‘Anything Goes’ features songs and lyrics by Cole Porter, is directed by Christopher Rodriguez and stars Carla Sankey as lead Reno Sweeney. Sankey is also director of choreography for the production. (Woodlawn Theatre, 2018)

Tickets are on sale online, or by calling the box office at (210) 267-8388. Prices are $18 for students and children, $24 for seniors, military and first responders and $30 for adults. Groups of ten or more receive a 20% discount. Free parking is available and located behind Vogue College of Cosmetology on W Lynwood Ave. This area is specifically designated for patrons and is patrolled by a uniformed security guard during the run of each show.

‘Anything Goes’ is based on the book by Guy Bolton and P.G. Wodehouse, later revised by Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse. The setting is 1934 aboard the ocean liner SS American. Along for the ride are headstrong temptress Reno Sweeney and her pal Billy Crocker. The two team up when Billy, a known playboy, falls for heiress Hope Harcourt, only to find she’s engaged. Reno and Billy concoct a wild plan to break up Hope and fiancé Lord Evelyn Oakleigh. Hilarity ensues and musical dance numbers abound as the ship makes it way from New York to London. With musical direction by Jane Haas, ‘Anything Goes’ features a renowned score from legendary Cole Porter, including “I Get a Kick Out of You,” “It’s De-Lovely,” “Blow, Gabriel, Blow” and the musical’s main title “Anything Goes.”

During the production’s run, Woodlawn Theatre will be accepting donations to benefit The Guadalupe Dance Company. In addition, the Theatre will showcase works by local artist Sarah Brooke Lyons as part of their mission to highlight and support visual arts in the San Antonio community.

Special performances: 
Pride Night – April 20th
College Night – May 4th
Educational Night – May 11th
ASL (American Sign Language) Night – May 12th

Woodlawn Theatre
1920 Fredericksburg Rd
San Antonio, TX 78201
(210) 267-8388